Barlow Respiratory Hospital

Specializing in ventilator weaning, pulmonary rehabilitation and care of medically complex patients, Barlow Respiratory Hospital in Los Angeles delivers on its mission to help patients breathe easier. As a long-term acute care (LTAC) hospital, Barlow is widely trusted for the specialized care we offer to chronically critically ill patients in the post-ICU setting.

The physician-led interdisciplinary teams include nurses, respiratory therapists, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, case managers and dietitians. The “rehabilitative” model of care has long been embraced in the management of the nearly 800 patients admitted each year, 300 of which are admitted with a tracheostomy. Barlow Respiratory Hospital incorporates the use of the Passy Muir® Valve at every opportunity, to enhance the ventilator weaning experience and improve decannulation outcomes. Every tracheostomy and ventilator patient is assessed within 72 hours of admission for the opportunity to use the Passy Muir® Valve.

When it comes to providing world-class care as well as intensive, individualized treatment regimens for respiratory and complex illnesses, Barlow has a reputation as one of the best.

Meet the Team

Success Stories

"When patients can speak, their anxiety is reduced. My philosophy in ventilator weaning is to always allow the patient a little space so they are not at their limit and they feel they can do it. At Barlow, we use the Passy Muir speaking valve in the beginning of the weaning process and it helps to accelerate process.” says Respiratory Therapist Hao Chen as he introduces us to patient Neil Patel.

Neal is grateful that our Barlow team has restored his ability to communicate. “At night when they take the valve out I think, ‘Oh my god I can’t talk!’ So we go back to playing charades.”

He is now able to communicate his needs, and his work-related thoughts, to family and friends as he recovers. Our Barlow Team has worked together to support Neal’s and other patients’ recovery.

Excerpts courtesy of Barlow Respiratory Hospital

“It was so sudden. It was devastating. It began with pneumonia. My mother had been active. She enjoyed traveling, cooking and gardening. She was visiting my brother and she became ill and had breathing issues. She was in Kindred. They said that Barlow is very good at weaning people off the respirator."

“She is off the ventilator now and she can swallow. Everyone has been very helpful and very observant. If she coughs, any time day or night, the nurse will ask, ‘is everything all right?’ I am so happy to see her doing so well. I want her to come home with me.”